OCES

BRIDGEWATER, BROCKTON, DUXBURY, EASTON, KINGSTON, MIDDLEBORO, PEMBROKE, PLYMOUTH, MA… 
 
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored volunteers at a special luncheon and awards ceremony held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA.
 
A total of 130 attendees attended the appreciation luncheon.
 
“It is through the unwavering support of all of our volunteers that many OCES programs and Community Service Partner programs are better able to assist those in need,” said Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Programs Manager. “We recognize and thank all of our generous volunteers for their tremendous dedication to helping others and our communities.”
 
Armindo Rocha and Cidalia America, OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, hosted the appreciation luncheon and presented awards. 
 
OCES presented the Make a Difference Award to 12 outstanding volunteers in recognition of their dedication to helping others and making a meaningful impact in the community: 
 
Tom Adduci, Bridgewater Meals On Wheels (MOW) volunteer; Ellen Lash, Ellen Jacobs and John Durnan volunteers for OCES’ Money Management Program (MMP) in Brockton; Mike Pauley and Sandra Ivers, Brockton MOW volunteers; Beth Kelley and Bob Kelley, Duxbury MOW volunteers; Rita Pope, Easton MOW volunteer; Donna Blaschke, Middleboro MOW volunteer; John Melchin, Pembroke MOW volunteer; and Edward Sore, Plymouth MOW volunteer.
 
OCES had the pleasure of having Mark Grossman give a brief statement on behalf of Abbott Care, the premiere sponsor.
 
Volunteering for OCES
With the help of more than 550 Nutrition Program volunteers, OCES serves 2,600 meals every weekday as part of its MOW services. MMP volunteers, assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks, and in special cases negotiating debt with creditors. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, participate in the MMP Advisory Board, and contribute to many other important efforts. 
 
OCES’ is proud to have a Volunteer Center in Plymouth which serves as a central resource for volunteers and service partners offering volunteer opportunities in Plymouth County. Prospective volunteers can talk one-on-one with volunteer program staff who can assist them in their search for volunteering opportunities that fit their skills and interests. The Volunteer Center is equipped with computers for researching volunteer opportunities as well as brochures and other literature from organizations seeking volunteers.
 
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit https://ocesma.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org

Local Volunteers Awarded at Appreciation LuncheonRead More

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… More than 150 participated in the March Against Elder Abuse on Thursday, June 12, 2025 that began at the Brockton Council on Aging (COA), 10 Father Kenney Way, proceeded down Main Street to OCES’ office, then returned to the COA.
  
The one-mile march was an effort to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of elder abuse and promote a safer, more supportive environment for older adults in the community. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) held the event in partnership with the Brockton COA, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.
 
“The March Against Elder Abuse, which is centered around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, is an opportunity to increase awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, OCES’ Protective Services Director. “Thank you to everyone who participated in our Brockton March and to those who have joined the movement to take the lead against elder abuse. We must continue to work together to raise awareness of this critical issue.” 
 
Robin Lipson, Secretary of Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) offered opening remarks at the event. Jonathan Fielding, Regional Manager of AGE, Mayor Robert Sullivan, City of Brockton; Alfred DeGirolamo, Office of Senator Michael Brady; State Representative Rita Mendes, Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald, State Representative Michelle Dubois, Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli, Alisa DeLage, OCES Chief Programs Officer, Anna Dee, OCES Chief Operating Officer, and Mark Grossman, AbbottCare Director of Marketing were also in attendance.
 
After the march, a luncheon was held which included special guest speakers Joseph McDonald, Plymouth County Sheriff; Robert Sullivan, Brockton Mayor; Janice Fitzgerald, Brockton COA Director; Robin Lipson, Secretary of AGE, Teresa Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director and Kathy Kats, AbbottCare.
 
The “Pat Foley Advocacy Award” in memory of Pat Foley, a longtime OCES employee, volunteer and advocate, was presented to Firefighter Peter Reardon, of the Brockton Fire Department. 
                                                                              
Kourtz continued, “Elder abuse is known as a ‘silent problem’. It is estimated that only 1 in 14 cases are reported, which is why raising awareness of elder abuse, and its signs are so very important.”
 
Join the Movement
A second March Against Elder Abuse will be held in Plymouth on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 11am to 2pm beginning at the Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth. The one-mile march will be followed by a light lunch. Sign-in begins at 10:30 am. Anyone interested in participating in the March down Main Street (in downtown Plymouth) can register for free by visiting: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/brzkg8s?mode=preview&source_id=11acad85-5e3d-4587-a47b-48e8c4cd883d&source_type=em&c=
  
In addition to participating in March Against Elder Abuse events, you can get involved by sponsoring these initiatives, sharing educational materials within your networks to raise awareness, or making a donation to support OCES’ Protective Services Department in its efforts to advocate for and assist older adults.
 
This year’s March Against Elder Abuse events are proudly sponsored by AbbottCare, Inc.  For more information about the sponsor, please visit https://www.abbottcare.com/. Thank you to all our sponsors; Plymouth County District Attorney, Home Health Resources, Inc., Bluestone Bank, HarborOne Bank, Plymouth County Sheriff, Rotary Club of Brockton, and Almeida & Carlson Insurance. 
 
Recognizing Elder Abuse
According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence, 43,617 elder abuse reports were received during Fiscal Year 2024.
 
Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; neglect; self-neglect; and financial exploitation. 
 
OCES’ Protective Services Program staff works with older adults, or their designees, to prevent, eliminate, or remedy situations involving elder abuse. When a report is made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) and the Older Adult resides in our service area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation by a Protective Services Worker is necessary.
 
If you have concerns, please contact your local Protective Services Agency. To report elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.
 
To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://elderjustice.usc.edu/weaad-home/
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

Raising awareness of elder abuse at “March Against Elder Abuse” event held in Brockton. Second March to be held in Plymouth on June 26. Read More

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored staff members with annual longevity milestone awards. A special luncheon was held at Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor, where thirty-three OCES staff members received awards.

The following staff were recognized for their years of dedicated service to OCES: 

Glenda DeVincentis of Taunton – 35 years; 

Richard Alvarnaz of Brockton – 25 years; and

Frances M. Cruise and Miriam J. Monteiro of Brockton; and Valerie A. Winters of Easton – 15 years. 

The following staff were recognized for 10 years of service: Vicky Beauregard of North Attleboro; Alisa Delage of Rumford, Rhode Island; Randolph M. Ellis, Michelle Fontes, Tremeda Martin, and Stefanie Touron of Brockton; Lora Goodman of East Bridgewater; Elizabeth Nolan of Hanson; Balbina Pereira of Dorchester; Diana Rodrigues and Samantha Sousa of Taunton; and Jillian Schrems of Norton.

The following staff were recognized for five years of service: Christina B Andrade, Sandra Gomes, Jennifer Munroe, and Renee Washington of Brockton; Lori Ann Drobel of Plymouth; Brandhi Gunderway of West Bridgewater; Vanessa Wade of Whitman; Eileen Perrone of Bourne; Tanja Upton of Taunton; and Shirley Valente of Brockton.

“In appreciation of OCES employees’ dedication, it is our great pleasure to recognize staff for their unwavering commitment to our mission and their service to people in our communities,” said Nicole Long, CEO of OCES.

About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). For more than 50 years, OCES has been a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org

Old Colony Elder Services Honors Employees with Milestone AwardsRead More

BROCKTON, PLYMOUTH AND RAYNHAM, MA… Richard J. (Rick) Alvarnaz recently received the 2024 IMPACT Award. Previously from Raynham, and now a Brockton resident, Alvarnaz has been a staff member of Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) for 25 years.
 
The Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) Area Agency on Aging presented the 2024 Dan Crane IMPACT Award to Rick Alvarnaz, OCES’ Community Transition Liaison, in a ceremony held on December 4, 2024. The award recognizes an individual who has had a positive impact on the lives of people in our communities.
 
In 1999, Alvarnaz joined OCES, the leading provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, as a Care Manager in the Home Care Department. He later became a program supervisor. Although Alvarnaz enjoyed being a part of program management, he realized that he wanted to serve consumers directly. In 2015, Alvarnaz began working in OCES’ Transitions Program where he had an opportunity to assist consumers in long-term care move back into the community. Alvarnaz accepted this challenging task with limited resources available to meet consumers’ significant needs.   
 
In 2023, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs extended the Transitions Program with a new state program called the Community Transition Liaison Program (CTLP), and Alvarnaz joined.
OCPC’s Ombudsman program collaborates regularly with Alvarnaz and CTLP, as they are on-site weekly serving residents in local nursing facilities. Alvarnaz’s dedication to the residents he serves is apparent when you see a resident’s excitement about returning to live in the community. Often, a resident’s return home is only possible because of Alvarnaz’s tireless efforts.
 
“Rick has made a huge positive impact on many lives during his 25 years of service at OCES,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “He is tremendously dedicated to helping residents and this award is well-deserved. Congratulations, Rick!”
 
CTLP supports individuals whose goal is to return to their home from a hospital or nursing facility. To learn more about CTLP, visit https://ocesma.org/programs-services/services-at-home.
 
For more information about Old Colony Planning Council Area Agency on Aging, visit https://oldcolonyplanning.org/aaa/
 
About OCES
OCES was recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). OCES is a private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

Brockton Resident Honored with 2024 IMPACT AwardRead More

BRIDGEWATER, BROCKTON, LAKEVILLE, PLYMOUTH, PLYMPTON, ROCKLAND, TAUNTON, WHITMAN, MA… 

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, honored local caregivers with Caregiver Appreciation Awards at a special luncheon acknowledging National Caregiver Month in November.
 
OCES recognized caregivers who were nominated by their family members and peers, in celebration of their selfless work of caregiving. Caregiver Appreciation Awards were presented to the following:
 
Linda Caissie of Whitman, who has been a caregiver for more than 25 years through OCES’ Adult Family Care program;
 
Paula Cenac of Plymouth, who works full-time and has been a caregiver for six years;
 
Myong Deeter of Bridgewater, who is a full-time caregiver to two adults.
 
Tory Devonshire of Plympton, who works full-time and has been a primary caregiver for more than 10 years.
 
Delia Ferreira of Lakeville, a Personal Care Attendant providing care for several years to a husband and wife.
 
Ana Garcia of Taunton, who has been providing full-time care for 10 years;
 
John McCue of Rockland, a long-time caregiver to a family member; and
 
Joanna Staples of Lakeville, a cancer survivor and caregiver to a family member for many years.
 
“OCES honors the unwavering dedication and service of all caregivers. We also thank those who submitted nominations to recognize caregivers’ selfless work,” said Nicole Long, CEO. “OCES remains committed to supporting caregivers in their vital role of enhancing the lives of others.”
 
Family Caregiver Support Program
Each caregiver’s situation is unique and complex. OCES has a Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) that provides caregiver support in the creation of a personalized plan outlining available resources (including OCES programs and other community information) applicable to their caregiving situation. These resources may include caregiver support groups as well as educational workshops or programs that share techniques to help family caregivers with stress reduction, time management, goal setting, problem-solving, relaxation and more. The FCSP works with people of all ages including grandparents raising grandchildren.
 
To learn more about OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program and to subscribe to OCES’ informative newsletter, visit ocesma.org.
 
About OCES
OCES is recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Marketing. OCES has been certified as a woman non-profit organization (W/NPO) by the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). OCES is  private, nonprofit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. 
 
Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit ocesma.org.

 

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes Local Caregivers During National Caregiver MonthRead More